Wage: $17.03/hour

As a full time Day Program Lead Teacher, you will contribute to a great life for children ages 2-6 by supporting their health, skill development and retention in our Autism Childcare Center. You will provide and assist with care for children of varying functioning levels across the autism spectrum. Through direct collaboration with occupational and speech therapists and a play-based environment, you will assist with developmental goals as designated by each child’s individualized care plan.

Benefits

This role is full-time and eligible for health benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and a 403B retirement account. PTO is frontloaded upon hire and starts accruing immediately. Our staff are also eligible to participate in the WAGE$ program which provides an additional stipend to individuals working in eligible early care and educational programs.

Schedule

What You’ll Do

• Work with a 1:3 ratio
• Organize and lead group and individual activities designed to promote social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.
• Prepare and implement lesson activities that adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet children’s varying needs, interests and individual therapeutic goals.
• Work cooperatively with nurses, therapists and other day program employees
• Follow aspects of the care plan, within scope, to meet individual goals set by therapy
• Provide a safe and consistent environment for care, learning, and play
• Follow change of shift procedure to assure communication and continuity of care
• Maintain accurate, complete and timely records
• Communicate with children, families, licensed professionals, ChildServe personnel, schools, and the public, in a courteous and professional manner
• Perform other duties assigned which may include but not limited to:
  • Diapering and toilet training
  • Feeding
  • Communication via picture exchange communication system (PECS), other communication devices and/or simple sentences
  • Managing and controlling emotions
  • Managing and controlling aggressive behaviors both child-to-child and child-to-employee
  • Aiding in learning and retaining pre-school skills such as pre-writing strokes, cutting, turn taking, etc.

What You'll Need

• Preferred: Four year degree
• Preferred: Experience working with children and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with children.
• Must complete and pass the National DCI fingerprint process, and child/adult abuse and criminal background check prior to hire and every two years thereafter; and complete the child abuse affidavit.
• Must be able to pass a ChildServe physical examination at commencement of employment and therafter as regulations require.
• Lift up to 50lbs, be mobile within the clinic areas, and frequently bend, lift, reach, and stand.
• Maintain a calm demeanor in an environment that can change quickly with elevated behaviors and different demands
• Ability to communicate effectively in reading, writing, and speaking the English language
• This position may be subject to COVID-19 safety requirements. If applicable, specific requirements will be discussed during the interview process

Why ChildServe?

ChildServe has earned the title of Top Workplace every year since 2014. Here’s why employees love working here:

• Our work matters.We partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great
• We’re not your average non-profit.We serve 5600 children each year through over 30 specialty pediatric services in the Ames, Des Moines, and Iowa City areas. Many of our programs are one-of-a-kind.
• Our team members rock.Our teams are filled with people who care about their coworkers, and who believe that collaboration is key to providing exceptional care to children.
• Our learning never stops. As a non-profit dedicated to innovation, we’re proud to help many team members gain new certifications, continue their education, take their expertise to the next level, and find new opportunities to advance their career right here at ChildServe.
• We’removing forward together. Experts across multiple disciplines work together to help kids get the best care possible.

Ready to leave work every day knowing you’ve made a difference for kids and families? Let’s move Forward Together - apply today!

ChildServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.